We are just a couple of weeks away from the latest Scottish Government budget—the latest charade in which the finance secretary moans abo

As Murdo Fraser said, we are going to get far more money—£1.2 billion—from Barnett consequentials. That is an embarrassment of riches.

A report from the Accounts Commission from just the other week said that since 2013-14, there has been a real-terms reduction to council

I want to make a few comments on behalf of the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee, which should not take up too much time.

That is an absolutely ridiculous comment from Neil Findlay.

I will be as brief as I know how, Presiding Officer. [ Interruption .]

Indeed, Deputy Presiding Officer, and you know that I am a master of brevity. I thank the minister for advance sight of his statement.

Does Annabelle Ewing agree that councils should have to visit, or at least engage with, property owners before applying the levy?

I will do my best, Presiding Officer. I wish you and other members a very happy new year.

He is. [ Laughter .] He will have heard comments from across the chamber, including from Kenneth Gibson, about compulsory sales orders.